VirusPerplexed Bug Mark 2
VirusPerplexed Bug Mark 2
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The VirusPerplexed bug key I made during the spring 2020 first covid lockdown proved to be very successful, both in winning the RSGB lockdown category of the constructor's competition and raising £2025.95 for the NHS charities together( £1000 added to the final bid by the RSGB who organized the charity auction).
Now one year on and in the third lockdown I decided that I would enjoy having a copy of the key for myself. This version of the Virusperplexed bug is almost identical except for a few changes. The pendulum damper design has been changed as well as the dash lever pivot point. The finger knob and paddle together with the dit contact/spring have been attached differently.
After a lot of practice beforehand, I made my first nervous call on the 20 meters SKCC calling channel. Unfortunately no replies, however plenty of spots on the Reverse Beacon Network website.
First-call-on-air-with-bug-key1-19m.mp4
Oak base and stainles steel top plate prepaired
Top plate screwed in place
Drilling holes in the strip of spring steel for the pendulum proved easier than I thought it would be.
Manufacturing the main arm with pendulum bar
Making and placement of the main arm pivot bridge
Drilling a socket for neodymium magnet in the main arm
The production of the sliding pendulum weight
Holes drilled in the top plate for placement of the contact posts and connection terminals
Clearance holes drilled in the oak base for post fixing nuts, and cable channel for connection of contacts to terminals. Note large holes filled with lead ballast weights for added stability
Initial testing the operation of the pendulum and the contact positions, before making the five brass thumb screws. Two of these thumbs screws then having silverd contact soldered to their ends.
The finished key in all its glory
A close up of the beautiful wood of the paddle and knob. The type of wood is unknown as it was taken from what is believed to be a broken tobacco box salvaged from a boot sale.
Placement of a decal to record its origin and time of manufacture, this one similar to the original I made almost a year ago but also unique
Spot the difference? A change in the design of the pendulum damper
My first QSO's
My first QSO's
My first two QSO's with this key were with DL7VGU and then special events station PA50AGCW shown here in the video.
PA50AGCW-extract-s.mp4Page updated
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